Teamsters Local 117, representing Waste Management workers driving recycle and yard waste collection trucks, went on strike July 25. They were soon joined by Teamsters Local 174, representing workers driving garbage collection trucks, who are honoring Local 117’s picketlines.
At issue in the strike is unequal pay for the recycling truck drivers, who are paid $9 less per hour than the trash collection workers. The drivers had been working without a contract since May 31.
Workers have maintained a 24 hour a day presence on the picketlines at locations in Seattle, Auburn, Marysville and Woodinville.
Waste Management has flown in 200 scab drivers in an attempt to break the strike of 500 drivers. As the trash piles up in Seattle neighborhoods, an August 1 deadline approaches. If the trash is not picked up by then, the company will be fined by the city of Seattle for breaking its trash collection contract.
On July 30, activists affiliated with Occupy Seattle and other organizations, including UNITE HERE Local 8, ILWU Local 19 and the ANSWER Coalition joined Local 117 at the North Transfer Station in Seattle to picket and delay scab trucks as they attempted to drop off their loads.
Community supporters, including this reporter, delayed two scab trucks, one at 12:30 pm and one at 3:20 pm. Supporters have vowed to return to the transfer station and continue picketing.
For up to date information on the strike and how to support the Teamster drivers, visit SeattleTrashwatch.org.
